Cold, the water was amazingly cold. I had remembered it as such, but even with those preparatory memories, I still struggled for a moment to catch my breath. It was a recent day in which I got to have some of that precious stuff called "family time."
My brother-in-law and his family were in town for a few days; we do not get to see them often. A precious niece and nephew on my wife's side came over as well, along with her parents. All of us took the opportunity to travel to a mountain in the North Carolina hills, one where I spent a good bit of my youth traipsing and camping, but especially swimming in nature's frigid swimming pool.
There is a waterfall there of approximately 60 feet in height. At the base of the falls, there is the most perfect swimming hole imaginable. I believe if the angels of heaven came down looking for a place to swim, they would choose that very spot.
After the long hike up, my oldest daughter and I stood shoulder to shoulder surveying the water.
Then I started taking off my shoes.
"Dad, are you getting in?" She asked the question almost in bewilderment.
"Yep, I sure am."
Two minutes later, there were two Wagners splitting the water as we lunged off the rock and into the frigid depths. We came back up simultaneously, laughing and gasping for snatches of breath.
The next 45 minutes were a dazzling time of sitting under the waterfall, diving to the clear bottom looking for rocks and backstroking as the sun smiled its rays down on our faces.
"Babe," I said with a smile, "don't ever miss a chance to do something like this. You will never remember the times you stayed dry, but you will never forget the times you got wet."
She smiled as if to say, "Got it, Dad."
My children are getting more and more like my wife and me each day. We recognize it in the phrases they use, in the particular mannerisms they have and in how they are growing up to love and serve the Lord. We have spent nearly 18 years now pouring ourselves into them, and we are beginning to see the results.
In 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul said that he remembered the unfeigned faith that was in young Timothy, faith that was first in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. These two ladies had poured themselves into Timothy, and the product they reaped for their efforts was a faithful young servant of God.
I can still hear the voice of Dr. James Dobson in my head. I was a fatherless child, and the Focus on the Family broadcaster poured himself into me without even knowing it. Everyone from "Adventures in Odyssey" did the same (Thanks, Mr. Whittaker!). My godly mother is still pouring herself into me to this day. The three pastors I have in my lifetime are doing the same. My godly father-in-law has been and is one of my biggest influences.
There is nothing more beneficial you can do with your life than mentor the next generation for Christ. Give them lots of time, give them love, give them Scripture, give them an example to follow.
Following Christ is more caught than taught, just like a plunge into icy waters in the name of fun.
Bo Wagner is pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church of Mooresboro, N.C., a widely traveled evangelist and the author of several books available on Amazon and at www.wordofhismouth.com. Email him at 2knowhim@cbc-web.org.